Join Somerville's Annual Holiday Celebrations

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Arts Council (SAC) warmly invite the Somerville community to join in the City’s 2024 holiday celebrations. The City will illuminate City Hall concourse with festive Christmas tree and menorah lighting events that will include snacks, refreshments, entertainment and gifts for children. 

The community is also invited to see the creativity and holiday spirit of their neighbors by embarking on either a self-guided or SAC-led Illuminations Tour. More details about each event are available below. 

Christmas Tree Lighting 

• Date: Thursday, December 5, 2024 (Rain date: December 10) 
• Start Time: 5 p.m. 
• Location: City Hall Concourse (93 Highland Ave) 

Menorah Lighting 

• Date: Thursday, December 26, 2024 (Rain date: December 30) 
• Start Time: 6 p.m. 
• Location: City Hall Concourse (93 Highland Ave) 

Holiday Gift Drives 

Join us in spreading holiday cheer – each year the City supports annual holiday gift drives. Check back soon on the City website for how you can contribute. 

Illuminations Tour 

Dates:  

• December 12, 2024-January 2025: Illuminations map available to take a self guided tour 
• Check back soon at somervilleartscouncilorg/illuminationstour for more information on the Illuminations Bike Tour. 
   

249th Grand Union Flag Raising
Ring in the new year on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, as we raise the Grand Union Flag on Prospect Hill to commemorate the 249th anniversary of the first flag rising. A processional will leave from City Hall (93 Highland Ave.) at 11:30 a.m. followed by a ceremony at Prospect Hill Park.

For more information on the City’s holiday events, please call 311 (617-666-3311 from outside the City). For more information on the SAC Illuminations Tour, please email Iaritza Menjivar at imenjivar@somervillema.gov. 

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.  

Efforts to secure interpretation into any language will be made upon advance request (at least seven days in advance) by contacting the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs at somervillema.gov/ContactSomerViva or calling 311 at 617-666-3311.